Spinelli was one of four candidates for the opening that was created when Richard Pitino, the son of national champion Louisville coach Rick Pitino, left for Minnesota. Norfolk State coach Anthony Evans -- the only head coach among the finalists -- has been offered the job, the source said.

FIU had contacted Spinelli prior to the Final Four and interviewed him last weekend. FIU, which won 18 games under the 30-year-old Pitino, is facing possible sanctions from the NCAA after failing to meet Academic Progress Rate guidelines. It is also moving from the Sun Belt Conference to Conference USA.